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Conference Expansion: Strong Words From ACC Flight Risks

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During all this conference realignment and expansion talk, there have been more than a fair share of rumors about the SEC swooping in and poaching any number of ACC teams. The list of ACC flight risks includes Virginia Tech, Florida State, Miami, Clemson and Georgia Tech. Officials from two of the these schools came out with strong statements reaffirming their commitment to the conference, at least for now. 

From Virginia Tech AD Jim Weaver:

"We are very happy where we are," athletic director Jim Weaver said Thursday. "We're in the right place for Virginia Tech because we're in the footprint of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

At this point in time we're not even thinking about [the SEC]."

And from Miami AD Kirby Hocutt, when asked whether he would entertain joining another conference:

"No. No. The Atlantic Coast Conference is our home, Jorge, it makes all the sense in the world for us. We focus each and every day on hoisting that ACC championship and positioning us to compete for national championships. The ACC is our home and that's where we're going to be. We're excited about the future growth."

Hocutt further goes on to say that the ACC is the best competitive and cultural fit for Miami and takes a jab at Florida for not agreeing to play them in football.

Both ADs are saying all the right things, and while things could change on a dime, I think both Weaver and Hocutt's words are strong enough to at least temporarily stave off any spurious SEC expansion rumors involving these two ACC programs. 

Catching you up on other expansion news and notes: